Goa, Oct. 17 -- As Goa prepared to celebrate Diwali on October 20, the festive spirit was overshadowed by the sudden demise of Agriculture Minister and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik. His passing has created a profound void in the Bhandari community and the wider Bahujan population, particularly in Marcaim and Ponda, his electoral strongholds. Residents remembered Naik for his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to national politics and his lifelong service to the people.

Born to a poor farming family, Naik rose from being a volleyball player at Jawahar Club Ponda-representing Goa at the 1976 Senior National Volleyball Championship-to serving as Councillor, MLA, Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Member of Parliament. He was a ...